Ready to do some holiday shopping? These local retailers are stocked and ready to rumble. If you’re planning to engage in a little retail therapy on Small Business Saturday (and Sunday) after Thanksgiving, don’t forget to pick up a Small Business Saturday Weekend Passport. Collect enough stamps and you’ll be entered in a drawing for prize baskets from participating stores and restaurants in Arlington and Falls Church. Here’s a look at what’s on the shelves this season.
Stylish Patina
Visit Kelly Millspaugh Thompson’s Falls Church boutique for cute ornaments, stationary, throw pillows and hostess gifts with hometown pride. Her trove of stylish goods for stylish cooks and entertainers extraordinaire includes barware, cocktail accessories, cookbooks, locally made cheese boards and tea towels. // 248 W. Broad Street, Falls Church
The Urban Farmhouse
For those inclined to deck the halls from top to bottom, Sarah Allen’s sunny Bluemont boutique brings the holiday swag, from Nutcracker and Hanukkah-themed tea towels ($18) to snowman mugs, Christmas poppers ($25) and cozy, teen-approved oversize sweatshirts in multiple colors ($50). Also in stock: pretty baking and serving dishes, Dash & Albert cotton rugs, fancy cocktail fixings and gift-y goods for pet lovers. // 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Trade Roots
Shop Lisa Ostroff’s fair-trade emporium in Westover and the giving is twofold. The selection of global goods includes handmade serving bowls, linens, jewelry, knitwear and more, with proceeds directly supporting the artisan communities that created them, from textile collectives in Guatemala and Nepal to basket weavers in Uganda. Ostroff has visited 17 developing countries and works with makers in another 25 nations to source unique finds. Pick up a hand-woven basket ($88), an upcycled circuit board frame ($30) or felt ornaments made from scrap wool in Kyrgyzstan ($22.50). // 5852 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Kinder Haus Toys
Give your laptop a rest and scope out the latest toys, games, puzzles, building sets and pretend-play props at this kid-centric fun zone in Clarendon. The family-owned business specializes in wooden toys by Plan, Haba, Melissa and Doug, Nilo, and RC2, but the shelves are also filled with everything from classic board games and bedtime stories to glow-in-the-dark Nee-Doh, Star Wars action figures, soccer balls, astronaut suits and jewelry-making kits. // 1220 N. Fillmore St., Arlington
Covet
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect girlfriend gift, swish jewelry, mix-and-match coasters with quotable quips or a Roy Kent tree ornament, there’s no place quite like Autumn Clayton’s Bluemont boutique. The ever-changing merch is a portrait of the proprietor’s edgy sense of humor and style, and there’s fun in exploring every corner. We’re digging the lightweight Sweetheart hoop earrings by Nickel & Suede ($39) and prayer candles honoring Midwest Princess Chappell Roan, patron saint of the Pink Pony Club ($20). And a pretty flower vase ($50) always makes an impression. //5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
One More Page Books
Want to give the gift of a good read? The book-loving staff at this indie shop in East Falls Church will happily steer you in the right direction, whether the recipient is partial to escapist fiction, scathing satire or a good murder mystery. While you’re at it, check out the selection of witty bookmarks, socks ($13.99), mugs ($17.95) and puzzles. A sticker book of ornithological insults ($8) makes a perfect gift for the bird obsessed. // 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Two the Moon
Personalized presents are a breeze at Johanna Braden’s cozy boutique in Arlington’s Williamsburg Shopping Center. The shop offers custom embroidery and vinyl monogramming on oodles of gift-worthy goods, from hooded baby bath towels by 3Marthas ($75) to kitchen aprons, hoodies, hats, bags, tumblers and beer cozies. The shelves are also chockablock with fun things for kids, entertaining essentials and seasonal decor. Tailgate and toast your favorite college or university with an embroidered can cooler from Smathers & Branson ($35). // 6501 29th St. N., Arlington
Botanologica
Tucked inside a little pink house in Falls Church, this leafy paradise is brimming with evergreen wreaths, petite poinsettias, lush ferns and low-maintenance houseplants. Proprietor Sarah Orrison also stocks garden ornaments, Japanese incense, ceramic planters, beauty products and nature-inspired home goods. For seasonal blossoms, pair a Christmas cactus ($18) with a pretty ceramic pot ($36). And dress up your front door with a classic, hand-tied evergreen wreath with mixed foliage and berries ($72). // 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Le Village Marché
As its name suggests, this Shirlington shop carries items that are sure to delight any Francophile, including milled soaps from Provence, Parisian-inspired jewelry and, for the new baby, a Little Prince cutlery set referencing the classic novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Other items reflect owner Angela Phelps’ sophisticated sense of style, from hand-poured soy candles ($30) and floral trinket trays to showstopping Champagne glasses ($14 each). When the weather outside is frightful, have a cup of cocoa and tackle the 1,000-piece Snowfall on Park Avenue puzzle ($18).
Casual Adventure
For nearly 80 years, this family-owned outfitter and sporting goods store has been Arlington’s go-to for camping and outdoor gear, Scouting staples and sports equipment. “We can outfit you from Great Falls to Nepal,” says owner Eric Stern. Find items ranging from tactical tools and snowboarding helmets to limited edition Innova, Discmania and MVP disc golf discs ($12-$30). For fishing, hunting, camping and climbing, a Benchmade folding steel knife ($170-$350) is a backcountry essential. Frigid temps outside? Wicked winds? No problem with high-performance outerwear from The North Face Summit Series ($170-$600).
The Golden Fox Boutique
Paula Frishman’s preppy Clarendon boutique has a little something for everyone, whether it’s a cozy throw, cashmere sweater, candy-colored Zafferano desk lamp (starting at $125), or a hooked throw pillow for your favorite beach-lover. Need a gift for the next up-and-coming Coco Gauff? Score points with a set of cotton embroidered tennis towels ($38) from Court Girl. For the pup who likes to chew on things, a Stanley cup-inspired squeaky toy from Haute Diggity Dog ($25) has a durable tennis shoe lining, providing hours of entertainment.
Bisnonna Bakeshop
What started as a holiday pop-up at Tysons Galleria is now a bustling Fairfax business turning out scratch-made biscotti, pizzelle, Sicilian fig cuccidati, cream-filled sugarplums, gingerbread-eggnog tiramisu and other Italian goodies. Inspired by family recipes passed down through generations, the bakery is a love letter to pastry chef Nicole Liberatore’s great-grandmother and her husband Dominick’s grandmother. Don’t skip the bestselling hand-rolled cannoli ($10-$15 for three), available this season in flavors such as sticky toffee, peppermint bark, Nutella, pistachio and classic chocolate chip.
Diament Gifts & Accessories
The merch at Libby Diament’s Shirlington boutique (a spin-off of the original flagship in D.C.) is colorful in every way, from vividly hued slippers, dish towels and sparkly tutus to unapologetically feminist “smash the patriarchy” baby onesies, Swiftie swag and rainbow Pride wear. It’s also a worthy stop for cool jewelry that won’t break the bank. The gold-plated, adjustable gemstone split rings ($24) make lovely little stocking stuffers or friend gifts. // 4017B Campbell Ave., Arlington
Lemoncello Boutique
Need a party dress? You’ll find a curated selection of LBDs and other on-trend fashion staples at this go-to boutique in the Lee Heights Shops. Its trove of irresistible items also includes cute baby and toddler clothes, Jelly Cat plushies, Scout brand totes featuring familiar D.C. and Virginia landmarks ($32-$52), Arlington-themed glassware ($20), Lilly Pulitzer giftables and oodles of holiday-themed decorations for hearth and home. // 4518 Langston Blvd., Arlington